At Northop we offer a range of courses in Animal Care to learn how to take care of animals in a realistic industry setting. The Animal Centre houses exotic species such as iguanas, geckos, monitors, lizards, turtles, snakes, mantids, tarantulas, dart frogs, cockroaches, tenrecs, pygmy hedgehogs, sugar gliders, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, mice, parakeets, lovebirds, african grey parrots, finches, tortoises, marmosets, to name a few. The Centre also houses a dog grooming parlour and kennels.

In addition the Northop Rare Breeds Centre has rare breed sheep, goat, pigs and poultry. Many of the species housed here are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist. Set in woodland, there is wildlife all around, with over 40 species of wild birds identified on site during a recent survey alongside bats, newts, shrews, hedgehogs, foxes, wild rabbits and stoats.

Skills you will learn during your course include the daily husbandry needed to look after animals including feeding, cleaning, handling techniques, health checking, grooming and providing suitable environments.

You will develop skills and knowledge in a range of subjects – animal training, animal behaviour, nutrition, biology, wildlife surveys and estate skills.

There are opportunities to complete projects and work experience with a number of organisations and local businesses such as North Wales Wildlife Trust, Blue Planet Aquarium, Contact Pets, veterinary practices, and farm parks.

Many trips and visits are planned to enhance your learning too. These include trips to local zoos, events such as Crufts, the Natural History Museum, agricultural shows, even the opportunity to visit Ecuador.

The Northop site is well known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and our students grow and thrive in this environment.